Duke  University  Libraries 

Sir  Henry  Havel 
Conf  Pam  12mo  #564 


SIR  HENRY  HAVELOCK, 

THE    CHRISTIAN  SOLDiER. 


The  armv  is  not  a  goad  school  for  piet/;  the  circumstances 
of  a  soldifers's  life  are  not  such  as  to  favor  the  development 
of  the  highest  types  of  christian  character;  but,  if  a  man  be 
truly  a  christian,  the  camp  and  the  field  may  afford  him 
many  opportunities  for  usefulness.  Side^by  side  with  deeds 
of  phyHicaldaring,  he -tiiay  exhibit  those  of  moral  courage 
and  fortitude  ;  and  in  the  mirfst  of  the  niost  splendid  manifes- 
tations,-©f the  power  of  carnal  weapons,  he  may  show  the, 
silent  but  wonderful  and  br  leficent  power  of  the  gospel  of 
truth.  In  a  word,  the  christian  soldier  iriay  be  not  less  a 
moral  than  a  military  hero — nay.  he  may  unite  both  of  these 
characters  in  himself.  Nor.  ne.'d  a.manbeany  the  less  a" 
christian  becaufse  he  is  a  soldier,  nor  any  the  less'  a  soldiei* 
becau^o  he  is  a  christian.  Such  are  'he  '-♦flections  whirn 
occur  to  us  upon  reuidinc:.  as  we  have  jnst  done,  the  Life  of 
Sir  .'lenry  llavelock,  the     lero  of  Carmpore   and  Lucknow. 

He-wis  born  at  Bishop  VVearmout'i.  Dtirh  im'courty,  Eng- 
land, April  5th  17<)i.  As  a  bov  lie  w^y  quiet,  thoughtful  and 
braVv,^.  Associated  at  Mijhool  with  some  of  tjiose  who  were 
afterwards  esteeaied  among  the  first  men  of  the  dav'  he  was 
fully  their  equal  in'i'.iligciicc  and  learning  A'  a  very  early 
period  he  j;ave  evidr.i-.-  of  po-<^esMing  tho-<e  quali^icH  for 
which  he  was  afterwards  so  much  dii^tiftguished  Him  chos- 
en companious  were  boy:4  of  deep  religiou-^  thought  and  feel- 
ing; and  in  his  own  family  when  his  mother  assembled  her 
children  for  prayer,  he  was  always  a  devout  and  earnest  par- 
ticipant in  the  exercises,  and  as  he  grew/  older,  was  called 
upon  to  read  the  Bible  to  the  assem-ded  household.  No  less 
clear  were  the  indications  of  his' military  pr -djlections.  He 
was  a  great  reader  of  military  worics  :^.ud  it  is  said  of  hun 
-that  he  frequently  retired' to  some  sec'uded  spot  a-iS  there 
rehearsed  the  battles  of  Napoleoa,  "taliiug  up    his    positions 


and  marstialliiig  his  batalliofts  nndef  their  several  generals. *' 
He  was  from  the  fitst  a  military  enthusiast. 

It  was  the  cherished  purpose  of  his  mother  that  he  should 
devote  himself  to 'the  profession  of  law;  and  with  this  view 
she  had  caused  him  to  be  educated;  and  though  she  died  be- 
t'ore  h'jwas  old  euongh  to  enter  upon  the  study  of  his  profes- 
/iio;],  vvlien  he  reached  a  suitable  age  he  became  a  student  at 
law  under  the  celebrated  Chitty,  whom  he  describes  as  ''the 
great  special  pleader  of  his  day/^  His  career  as  a  law  stud- 
ent was  of  brief  duration.  When  Napoleon  returned  from 
tlie  island  of  Elba,  and  war  again  began  to  rage  in  Europe, 
more  violent  from  the  brief  lull,  his  military  ardor,  which 
had,  with  great  eflfort,  been  only  partially  snothered,  burst 
^ forth  with  uncontrollable  energy.     He  yielded  "to  the  military 

*  propensities  of  his  race.;"  and  determined  to  become  a  soldier, 
lli'8  brother  ^Y'iIiiam  was  already  in  the  army,  and  having 
;?reaily  distinguished  himself  at  Waterloo,  was  enabled  to 
procure  for  young  Henry  a  commission  as  second  lieutenant 

•  in  the  Rifle  brigade. 

From  the  time  of  his  appointment  in  1815,  until  the  year 
18-33  he  Berved  in  England,  Ireland  and  Scotland,  "travelled 
in  France  and  the  north  of  Italy,  read  a  good  deal  in  a  dis- 
eure've  v.ay  and  acquired  eome  knowledge  of  his  profession, 
*vhic4i  was  useful  to  him  in  after  days,"  This  kind  of  life 
was  in  some  respects  pleasant,  but  did  not  satisfy  his  intense^ 
ly  earnest  nature.  He  dghed  for  something  more  active. 
Besides,'  he  coveted  distinction  in  his  profession  whieh  he 
would  not  be  likely  to  gain  in  his  present,  position.  .  His  dis- 
content prompted  him  to  look  for  an  exchange.  India  was 
the  tleld  to  which  he  cast  his  eyes.  He  accordingly  stadied 
Hindoostanee  sShd  Persian  to  qualify  himself  for  the  Indian 
srervice,  and,  having  obtained  a  transfer  to  the  13th  Light 
Infantry,  in  1823  he  embarked  for  India. 

The  voyage  to  India  is  in  the  case  of  Havelock,  intimately 
associated  with  what  he  calls  **the  most  important  part  of 
tne  history  of  a  man  his  connexion  through  faith  with  the  in- 
visible world."  In  the  General  Kyd  the  vessel  in  which  he 
N  satled,  was  James  Gardner,  also  a  lieutenant  in  the  13th. 
"This  excellent  person  was  most  influential  in  leading  Havi&- 
look  to  make  pntoc  a"''DTrall)y  his  tirorks  of  ohngHatji^  in 


earne't/^  To  n«e  hi?  O'-va  touching  words;  *'While  he  wtis 
8-viling  across  the  wilo  Atlantic  towards  Bengal  the  ppirit  of 
God  came  to  him  witii  its  oft'i:*M  of  peacs  and  mandate  of  love," 
which,  though  sometime  resisted,  were  received  and  at  length 
prevailed.  Then  wa<^  wrought  the  great  change  in  his  eoul, 
which  ha^  been  productive  cf  ui.speakabM  advantage  to  hira 
in  time,  and  he  trusts  has  secured  iiis  liappiness  throughout 
eternity/'  •  ^ 

Before,  he  might  hate  been  looked  upon  as  a  nominal,  now 
he  becanio  a  rm!  ol  ristian.  The  powers  of  the  world  to  come 
had  taken  full  pofir'C-ieicn  of  his  mind  and  eoul.  From  this 
tiioe  to  the  end  of  his  life,  w^ioever  knew  him.  knew  him  as 
a  firm,  conftlntont  servant  of  CFiri.'>t.  His  military  turn  of 
mind,  and  his  long  habit  of  f-irict,  implicit  obedience  to  an 
earthly  authority  rendered  it  cH^y  and  natural  for  him  to 
follow  without  doubt  or  heeiLatiou  his  new  master.  Nor  wae 
be  willing  to  content  himseU  with  performing  puoh  religious 
acts  as  are  upual  with  chrigt^'r^nis,  or  to  confine  himself  to  the 
improvement  of  such  opportunities  of  usefulness  as  might  be 
thrown  in  his  way;  he  d^tormi-ned  to  make  opportunities; 
and  to  use  his  influence  as  an  '"'ffu^er  to  promoto  the  .fipiritual 
t^elfare  of  hi«  raerr.  As  eooii  as  he  reached  India,  be  com- 
menced to  act  upon  his  deter.^ination  ;  and  upon  every  con- 
Tenient  occasion  called  his  men  together  for  reading  the 
Scriptures  and  devotions!  exero.;.:<e3.  It  may  not  be  uninteref  t- 
ing  to  our  readers,  to  know  ho'v,  at  tbifl  time,  he  was  regarded 
by  hiR  brother  otJicer^. — One  ■''!'  them  writee  :''  Whej)  I  first 
knew  Havelock  he  vi-fls  only  cigbt  and  twenty  ;  but  he  was 
conspicuous  as  an  earnest  etut^eat  of  his  profession,  a  chivalr- 
ous soldier  and  a  man  of  the  highest  integrity.  That  which 
formed  the  brightest  glory  of  his  whole  'clvoracler  uas  his 
Sterling  christian  consistency.  He  was  not  a  man  to  parade  • 
his  opinions  or  to  make  any  vStriking  display  unless  called  for 
by  Rome  act  or  word  of  others,  wh-eu  no  one  could  be  more 
firm  in  the  avowal  of  hiaeentiment*  and  his  calm  impressive 
manner  always  told  with  eficct.^' 

Hisetorling  worth  as  a;  man  and  his  ability  and  efficiency 
as  an  officer  soon  made  hira  favorably  known  to  the  army- 
When,  in  1824,  war  was  declared  against  the  Bumians,  i^ 
W8»  appmnted  to  the  Gipueral  gtaif  otSir  ArchilialdCamphell, 


as  Deputy  Assistant  Adjutant  General;  and  acted  in  that 
capacity,  with  the  exception  of  a  short  period,  during  the 
whole  war.  So  highly  was  he  esteemed  by  the  commander 
in-chief  that,  upon  the  conclusion  of  peace,  he  was  appointed 
one  of  three  on  a  special  mission  of  importance  to  the  King 
ofBurraah.  '  . 

In  connexion  with  the  Burman  war  an  incident  is  recorded, 
which  at  offce  shows  his  reputation  as  a  soldier,  and  the  ac- 
knowledged effect  of  his  teaching  upon  his  men.  Upon  on6 
occasion  tli«e  alarm  was  given  that  the  enemy  was  approach- 
ing, and  already  near  at  liand.  •  General  Campbell  deeply 
impressed  with  the  importance  of  guarding  a  certain  position 
sent  in  haste  to  order  the  men' of  a  particular  corps  to  .that 
position.  It  was  found  that  the  order  could  not  be  obeyed 
as  many  of  the  men  were  drunk  and  unfit  for  duty.  Upon 
being  informed  of  this  ;.the  General  replied.  Then  call  out 
Havelock's  saints  :  they  are  iievcr  drunk  and  Havelock  is 
always  ready.-"  In  a  moment  the  men  were  under  a-rms  and 
in  position  and  the  enemy  was  driven  back.       ,  ' 

We  can- hardly  conceive  of  a  more  interesting  character 
than  young  Havelock:  Full  of  enthusiasm  in  his  profession, 
brave  as  the  bravest,  promptly  discharging  his  duties  as  a 
soldier,  and,  at  the  same  time,  equally  enthusiastic  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duties  a.sa  christian.  "lie  inVariably  secured 
two  hours  every  morning  for  reading  the  Scriptures  and  pri- 
vate prayer.  If  the  march  began  at  six  he  rose  at  four,  if  at 
four  he  rose  at  two.'^'  He  was  poor,  depending  entirely  upon 
his  pay  for  his  support,  and  yet  he  rigidly  and  cheerfnlly  de^ 
voted  one  tenth  of  that  to  religious  purposes.  With  all  this 
there. was  no  gloominess  or  moroseness  in  his  charicter.  He 
was  ever  the  cheerful,  kijnd  and  courteous  gentleman.  As 
much,  perhaps,  as  any  man  of  modern  times  .he  combined- 
faith  fain  ess  in  a  secular  .calling,  with  fervency  of  devotion. 
As  "a  christian  he  wasij  both  meditative  and  piactical;  with 
manyhe  sat  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  with  Martha  he  constantly 
served.  *  '  ■       - ' 

The  9th  of  February  1829  he  was  married  to  Hannah  the 
third  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Marshman,  so  well  known  as 
one  of  the  founders  of  the -Seram pore  Baptist  Mission  ;  and 
the  4th  of  April  of  the  following  year  he  was  baptized  by  Kev. 


John  Mack  at  Serampore,  and  from  that  time  was  identified 
with  the  Baptists.  His  connexion  with  a  particular  Beet 
caused  it  to  be  said  of  him  that,  *'He  was  not  a  large  or 
liberal  minded  man,  on  the  contrary  he  vms  a  sectarian  of  the 
Baptist  persuasion.^'  The  charge  against  him  was  as  unjust  as 
the  proof  of  it  is  flimsy  and  inconclusive.  There  have  b^en 
very  many  sectiirians  of. the  Baptist  persuasion  who  were 
both  large  and  liberal  minded.  In  a  speech  delivered  at 
Bombay  in  1849,  he  defines  the  position  or  the  Baptists  gen- 
erally not  less  than  his  own.  After  stating  that  he  was  a 
Baptist,  he  .said  ; 

•'But  whilst  he  should  part  with  his  Baptist  principles  only 
with  his  life,  he  declared  his  willingness  cordially  to  frater- 
nize with  every  christian  who  held  by  the  Head,  and  was 
serving  the  Redeemer  in  since»'itv  and  truth.  And  here  he 
wcrJd  protest  against  its  being  alleged  as  adversaries  would 
insinuate,  that  where  men  of  various  denominations  met,  as 
this  evening,  in  a  feeling  of  brother-hood,  they  could  only  do 
tins  by  pasing  (i©wn  to  the  smallest  portion  the  mtisb  of  their 
religion;  on  the  contrary  he  conceived  that  all  brought  with 
them  their  faith  in  all  its  strength  and  vitality.  They  left,  in- 
deed, he  thought  at  the  door  of  the  place  of  assembly  the 
husks  and  fhe  sbell  of  their  cre^d  but  brought  into  the  midst 
of  tlieir  brethren  the  precious  koriTt?!.  They  laid  aside,  for  a 
moment,  at  the  threshold  the  canons  and  articles  and  formu- 
laries of  their  section  of  Christianty  ;  but  carried  along  with 
them,  lip  to  the  table  at  Which  he  was  speaking,  the  very 
essence  and  quintessence  of  their  religion.^-' 

From  the  ti;ne  of  his  appointment  on  the  staff  of  Sir.  Archi- 
bald Campbell  until  1831,  Havelock  was  most' of  the  time 
engaged  in  staff-duty  But  whenever  he  was  attached  to  his 
regiment,  he  dfd  not  neglect  the  religious  instruction  of  the 
soldiers.  It  may  be  mentioned  as  a  proof  of  his  success,  that 
the  Church  in  the  regiment  at  one  time  numbered  about  thirty 
men  and  women.  It  may  also  be  mentioned  as  a  proof  of 
the  energy  of  this  little  Church,  that  when  the  regimen^  was 
at.  Agra^'the  Baptist  soldiers  rebuilt 'a  chapel,  in  which  in 
1843,  there 'were  a  pastor  and  a, good  congregation.  Nor  was 
W\&  the  only  chapei  which  these  Baptist  soldiers  built  These 
facts  iire  taken  from  brief  memoranda  written    by  Havelock 


^6 

kjjawielf.     We  only  wish,  tbat  we  bad  some   fuller  account 
his  labors.     We  have,  hovv  ever,  convincing  proof  that  thoji# 
labors  were  crowned  with  abundant  success. 

In  1885,  he  was  appointed  adjutant  of  his  regiment,  be* 
cause  as  the  Governor,  General  said,  "He  was  the  fittest 
man.  for  it.''  It  was  while  he  vths  acting  in  this  capacity  that 
the  cottnge  in  which  his  wife  was  living  was  burned.  Two 
Bervants  and  a  little  girl  lost  ibeir  lives  in  the  flames,  and  Mrs, 
Havelock  and  her  child  were  greatly  injured.  Besides,  many 
of  Havelock's  papers  and  ner»r]y  all  his  property  thus  pen' 
shed.  Upon  hearing  of  the  accident,  the  soldiers  of  the  13th 
came  to  him  and  begged  to  be  allowed  to  devote  one  month 
of  their  pay  to  replace  his  loeses.  This  act  of  kindness,  so 
grateful  to  him  and  so  honorable  to  those  who  proposed  itf 
Havelock  declined ;  but  it  no  doubt  went  for  towards're paying 
him  for  any  sacrifices  which  Le  had  made  for  their  good. 

In  1838,  after  serving  twenty  three  years  as  a  subaltern  he 
was  promote(f  to  a  captaincy;  and  as  aid-decamp  to  Sir 
Willoughby  Cotton,  acco.mparied  the  expedition  that  invaded 
Affghanistan.  In  this  expedition  he  was  in  many  battles,  and 
afterwards  published  an  account  of  it.  In  1842  he  was  in 
Jellalabad  when  that  place  was  beseiged,  and  so  much  dis- 
tinguished himself,  that  he  was  made  major  by  brevet  and  re- 
ceived the  Cross  of  Companion'of  the  Bath.  In  1843  he  was 
appointed  Major  of  his  regime?it,  and  in  1844  was  again  bre- 
vetted  for  gallant  eonduct.  Tli^  service  in  which  he  was  now 
engaged  was  most  active.  He  made  several  narrow  escapes, 
and  had  three  horses  shot  undc'  him.  He  stood  high  in  favor 
-with  his  superior  officers,  being  now  called  upon  to  act  as  ad- 
jutant general  of  forces,  now  receiving  a  permanent  appoint- 
ment as  aesistani  adjutant  general,  and  finally  as  military  sec- 
retary to  thecommander-in-chiel. 

Amid  all  these  engagements  iiis  hea'th  failed,  and  the  news 
brought  to  liim  of  the  death  of  that  brother  who  h]id,  years 
before,  procured  for  him  his  commission.  His  letter  to  his 
sister -upon  this  occasion  is  WMrithy  of  him  both  as  a  soldier 
and  a  christian. 

Bombay  15th  December,  1848, 

My  very  dear  Sister: — I  need  not  remind  jou  how  seldrip 
I  take  up  my  p€'n  to  address  yon,  though  you  were  o?>eof  th« 


fr«Aiefli  comforts  of  my  yuuth  a&d  6arly  manhood  ;  B&d  triy 
eart  still  bounds  at  the  recollection  of  tbcee  dnye. 
*  *  ^  Theoccaflion  of  my  writing  is  indeed  mournful.  In  n 
cavalry  action,  fought  the  22nd  6i  November,  o;:r  beloved 
brother  William  met  a  soldier's  death  at  the  head  of  hi» 
noble  and  cherishe'd  dragoons  *  *  *.  There  our  gallant  bro- 
ther fell,  not  until  his  regiment  bad  sustained  a  heavy  loes 
and  ha  had  conquered  the  admiration  and  sympathy  of  every 
brave  man,  who  can  look  with  delight  on  the  acts  of  a  kiu 
ared  spirit  with  his  own,  *  *  *  His  body  has  never  been 
found,  for  no  one  has  been  able  to  approach  the  spot  whilst 
the  Sikhs  yet  remain  in  position.  *  ♦  ♦  *  To  how  small  a 
number  our  seven  of  a  family — eight  at  first,  is  now  reduced' 
As  each  falls  in  succession  into  the  grave  is  not  flie  event  a 
warning  to  those  who  remain  to  draw  nearer  and  nearur  to 
Jesus  Christ?  Then  will  he  draw  nearer  to  us  and  be  our 
stay  here,  and  hereafter  our  everlasting  portion.^' 

A  visit  to  England  was  deemed  essential  for  the  restorntion 
of  hfe  shattered  health;  and  the  6th .of  November  1849,  after 
an  absence  of  twenty  seven  years,  he  reached  his  native  land. 
His  wife,  his  two  daughters,  and  his  youngest  son  were  wirh 
him.  After  a  short  stay  in  London  he  removed  to  Plymouth 
were  he  met  the  sister,  to  whom  the  above  letter  was  written. 
Their  meeting  was  delightful.  Amid  the  familiar  scenes  of 
early  life  and  among  appreciating  friends  "the  war  broken 
soldier"  found  r«st  and  peace.  He  visited  his  old  school  iel- 
lows,  now  men  of  rank  and  distinction  and  was  happy  to  find 
that  their  feelings  and  opinions  which  were  in  unison  witdi 
his  own  before  he  went  to  IndiA,  wefe  equally  so  on  his  re- 
turn. There  was  nothing  to  mar  the  pleasure  of  the  meeting 
but  the  thought  that  they  must  soon  separate.  It  was  recom- 
mended that  he  should  try  the  virtue  of  the  medicinal  waters 
of  Germany  ;  and  accordingly  he  and  his  family  spent  eome 
time  at  Ems,  where  his  health  was  greatly  improved.  With 
returning  vigor  there  came  thoughts  for  the  future.  His  resi- 
dence in  India  had  not  materially  improved  his  fortune,  and 
he  must  make  some  provision  for  his  family.  It  was  deter- 
mined that  he  should  return  to  India,  but  tKat  his  wife  and 
daughters  should  remain 'in  Germany.  He  found  for  them  a 
eomfortable  residence  iu  Bonn  on  the  Rhine,  and  after  spend- 


8 

ing  some  niontks  with  them  there,  set  out  for  Epgland  pre- 
paratory to  returning  to  the  scene  of  biH  life-long  labors.  He 
paid  another-short  visit  to  hip  family  at  Bonn,  and  then  left 
them  the  27th  of  Oct.  1851.  Before  parting  they  all  knelt 
together  and  he  committed  hi.«  dear  ones  to  the  keeping  of 
their  Heavenly  Father.  As  the.ev<;nt  proved  this  was  the 
last  time  that  family  kneh  tc-gnther  for  prayer.    • 

This  parting  with  his  lamily  was  a  sore  trial  to  him.  It 
brought  into. requisition  ill  his  fortitude,  f'nd  toothing  su- 
stained him  in  it  but  "thethouirht  thnt  he  was  if  the  path  of 
duty.  A  letter  to  his  wife  from  Leipsic  Oct.  30th  will  reveal 
what  passed  in  1  is  mind  upoi  this  occasion  : 

"I  purpose  going  to  see  the  baftlefifcld  (rif  the  Volkersch- 
lacht,  asthe  Gern  ins  call  it)  tomorrow  morning,  so  I  will 
comraevjce  another  'etter  to  you  in  tic  solitudeof  niy  chamber. 
Oh  !  how  ardently  I  desired  )(-  turn  ^back  ana  rejo'n  you  at 
Bown,  as  1  lay  in  my  1  ed  at  Frank  fori.  It  was  a  totally  sleep- 
less nis'ht  a  thincf  as  you  know,  most  rnusu«vl  with  me.  I 
sat  up  meditating  and  writing  until  near  eleven,  and  when 
cal'edntsix  had  not  once  closed  my  eyes  ;  not  even  dozed 
or  slumbered  for  a  moment  The  bitterness  of  parting,  my 
po'^itioii  after  so  many  years  wh'ich  renders  it  unavoidable, 
and  I  fear,  not  of  few  doubts,  about  the  worldly  future, 
pn^sed.  in  rapid  suceession  th'oug'h  my  brain,  which  with- 
out being  in  the  least  f'e -ered,  was  so  wrought  upon  that  I 
ne"e  slf^pt  a  sinerle  second,  liut  I  did  inpeed  find  sweet 
relii^t  in  t^ie  thoucfl-t  of  meetins;  yon  in  that  better  kingdom, 
for  all  earinly  nif^etings  are  unce'tain,  and  only  terminate 
in  longer  or  shorter  sp]p»arations.  Jo.n  with  me  in  prayer, 
that  w<'  tliro;igh  faith  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb  may  be 
held  worth  ro  partake  in  hi<  resurrection,  and  be  together 
with  him  and  our  cKiMren  in  his  glory.  I  know  notwhat 
lies  Hffore  me,  but  1  do  feel  that  we  are  both  in  the  path  of 
si'^red  duty  J^et  us  do  his  will  and  lea^e  the  event  to  God, 
Perh^'ps  FTe  mav  be  merciful  to  us  and  grant  that  we  may 
sooti  in  ^et  a<r'i,in,  though  we  see  not  mow," 

We  >nnst  r>iss  ovpr  the  events  of  ^avelock's journey — he 
r^a'^.'ierf  Rnmh^v  in  December  1^/1 ,  P'rom  this  tim.e  he  kept 
un  t  rp^ru'ir  an  1  freq-ient  corresi1»>v»id<  nee  with  his  family; 
im  I  as  his  letfe-^s  both  revpa!  the  worj^ings  of   his   mind   and 


9 

• 

mention  the  chief  incidents  in  bis  Kfe,  we  gladly  avail  onrBel- 
ves  of  them  in  completing  our  tapk. 

To  U9  by  no  meanfi  the  least  interesting  feature  of  hie  char- 
acter is  liis +eiidernes8  and  solicitude  for  hie  children.  Any 
sketcli  of  him  howevor  brief,  which  did  noi  show  something 
of  what  he  was  ae  a  father  would  be  incomplete.  This  must 
be  our  excuse  for  inbertins;  the  following  letter  to  his  little  son: 

Mahableswur,  Ju»e  4,  1853. 

"My  dear  George — Tomorrow  is  the  "Sabbath,  and  alao  your 
birthday.  If  spared  lentil  tom(  rrow  }ou  will  be  kIx  years  old; 
so  in  sight  of  thehouse  in  which  you  were  born,  I.  am  again 
permitted  tD  write  toyou  and  wish  you  many  happy  and  holy 
return«oftl\jBday. 

I  trust  your  dear  mamma  wllldeliver  this  letter  to  you  and 
explain  it  all  where  it  needs  explanation  ;  and  I  wish  you  to 
keep  it  for  a  ien  years  at  least,  that  yon  miay  remember  that 
you  have  a  papa  who,  though  distantfrom  you  for  the  present 
and  likely  to  be  long  distant,  under  no  circumstance  of  time 
or  place  forgot  you,  but  was  constantly  asking  of  God  to  bless 
you,  and  to  send  his  Holy  Spirit  to  le«d  you  into  all  truth  and 
all  good. 

"Things  are  much  changed,  George,  since  I  was  a  bo^  In 
tbemonth  of  January  1800  (this  is  1§5-^).  m>  brother  William 
and  r  were  taken  on  ponies  {.way  to  school  at  Dartford,  three 
milex  from  Ingress,  where  we  lived  (you  have  been  in  county 
of  Kent),  and  set  down  at  once  to  our  learning.  1  was  not  live 
years  old  until  the  April. after.  Now  you  seem  to  have  had  a 
lung  holiday  ;  no  schooling  yet,  though  yon  aiC  six"!  But  I' 
trust  you  have  learnt  a  little  from  your  dear  mamma's  in- 
struction, and  that  you  are  willing  to  learn  a  great  deal  more. 
Now,  we  can  none  of  us  tell  what  shall  bpfall  us,  since  God 
orders  all,  and  will  not  tell  us  beforehand  what  shall  happen 
but  it  is  likely  that  all  my  sons  must  earn  their  bread  as  sol- 
diers. So  very  early  1  wish  yon  to  learn  to  ride,  as  one  of  the 
things  most  necessary  for  a  soldier.  So  T  hope,  before  you 
are  seven  years  old.  you  will  have  m^de  some  progress  in  this 
branch  of  learning.  "  Your  uncle  William  rode  v^ry  well  be- 
fore he  was  seven.  • 

May  9th  1854,  tie  write=  to  his  wife —"We  know  not  vrhat 
an  Aowr  may  bring  forth.    Since  I  fini-shed  my  letter  the  mail 


10 

«ame,  afioounoiog  that  I  am  Quartermaster-QeneraL  Imi  ui 
thank  God  for  this  apparent  mercy,  and  beseech  Him  to  bless 
it  and  make  it  a  mercy  indeed.'' 

This  appointment  neceasitate<.l  his  removal  from  Bombay 
to  Calcutta.  On  the  way  he  passed  many  scenes/with  which 
he  was  faiiiliar  and  which  were  associated  with-  some  of  the 
most  important  events  of  his  life.  "At  Serampore/'  (says 
he  to  his  wife,)  '*  I  rose  early  in  the  morning  and  visited  the 
Printing  Office,  the  Manufactory,  the  College,  all  venerated 
scenes'.  In  the  Chapel  I  saw  the  monkraental  slab  -to  your 
dear  mother's  memory,  on  the  same  wall  with  those  of  Carey, 
Ward,  Marshman  a-id  Mack.  The  ne.^tbuildinglvas  empty. 
1  read  two  chapters  in  the  Bible  on  the  table  before  the  pul- 
pit and  prayed  alone.''  What  woulS  we  not  give  to  have 
stood  with  ilavelock  by  the  grave  of  the  Apostle  of  India — a 
spot  sacred  in  the  eyes  of  the  christian  world. 

Again,  in  Sept.  1856,  he  passed  Serampore.  On  this  oc- 
casion, he  thus  writes  to. his  wife: 

"Since  the  22d  we  have  been  slowly  steaming  this  sacred 
stream,  or  rather  buffeting  the  waves  of  this  inland  sea,  the 
banks  of  which  you  and  I  so  well  knew  in  the  days  of  our 
humility.  I  poinded  out,  as  we  passed  every  well  known  spot 
in  Serampore  to  Seymour ;  walked  over  every  foot  of  Chinsurah 
with  General  Anson  and  suite,  and  we  cooled  this  morning  at 
the  ghat  of  William  Carey  the  Missionary.  You  will  re- 
member our  visit  of  1834.  'The  same  God  protects  us  now, 
♦  *  *  May  God;  if  it  be  his  pleasure,  grant  us  once  more 
on  earth  a  happy  meeting,  if  not,  in  heaven  may  we  meet  and 
be  forever  reunited." 

At  one  time  it  seemed  that  this  prayer  for  a  happy  meeting 
on  earth  would  be  answered.  It  was  arranged  that  Mrs.  Have- 
lock  should  visit  India  the  following  year,  but  the  breaking, 
out  of  the  Persian  war  blasted  their  fond  hopes.  It  was  ne- 
cessary for  her  to  postpone  her  visit.  The  occasion  of  this 
postponement  ia ihu8  stated: 

Agra,  Jan.  6,  1857. 

"  Lord  Elphinetone  has  telegr.aphed  General  Anson,  offer- 
ing me;  at  Sir  James  Outrain'e  recommendation  a  divi.sional 
command  in  the  Persian  expedition.  1  have  accepted  and 
expect  to  start  immediately  for  Bombay,    At  my  time  of  life 


11 

Aa  lUKlcitekitig  is  sirduous  but  1  go  iu  faith  iu  BLim  wko  h«« 
W  me  BO  long  and  guided  me." 

Havfelock  entered  with  ze&l  upon  the  oorrmand  to  which 
he  had  been  appointed.  He  was  assigned  to  the  second 
division  of  the  army  to  be  employed  against  Persia,  with  two 
Brigadiers  under  hira.  His  ]>o.«ition  was  rendered  iftore 
agreeable  by  the  fact  that  liio  8<5n  Henry  was  with  him.  In 
epeaking  or  the  expedition  he  says:  "Our  operations  will 
aoon  extend  toMohammerah,  a  place  below  the  junction  of  the 
Tigris  and  Euphrates.  Our  expedition  a^rainst  this  point 
will  sail  in  a  few  days.  *  *  *  Pray  that  I  may  faithfully 
discharge  every  duty.  I  have  good  troops  and  cannon  under 
my  command,  but  my  trust  is  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  my 
tried  aod  merciful  friend:  to  Ilim  all  power  is  entrusted  in 
heaven  and  on  earth.  Him  daily  seek  for  me  as  I  seek  him 
without  shadow  of  doubting.-" 

This  was  written  the  18th  of  February.  '  The  28th  of  March 
he  wrote,  from  his  camp  at  Moh am m era  : 

**Ourexpedition^gain8t  this  place  hae  been  entirely  suc- 
peseful,  but  the  victory  was  won  by  the  Indian  navy ;  the  troops 
ofmy  division,  which  landed  in  the  best  order  and  in  the 
highest  spirits  had  not  a  shot  to  fire.  The  Persians  were 
commanded  by  aShahzada,  and  their  works  were  formidable, 
but  in  three  hours  and  a  half  they  were  so  hammered  by  our 
war  ships  that  the  enemy  abandoned  jhem  in  dismay,  suffer- 
ing great  loss;  and  b#ore  my  vegiraehts  could  be  landed  in 
the  date  groves,  intersected  by  waterftourees,  and  my  columns 
formed,  they  were  in  full  retreat,  followed  by  a  handful  of 
oavfilry.  I  had  not  a  single  cisualitv  in  my  crowded  troop- 
ships, and  in  the  Scindian  in  v>'hich  H.  was  embarked,  the  only 
man  killed  was  his  head  servant,  who  was  smashed  by.  a 
cannon  ball  that  had  traversed  the  ship  from  stern  to  stern, 
where  the  poor  man  met  his  fate.  T  had  hoped  that  my  troops 
would  have  won  laurels,  but  Providence  decreed  it  otherwise, 
^emust  be  even  thankful  for  the  preserving  mercies  of  the 
day,  the  26th  of  March.  The  cannonacTe  was  warm,  and  my 
steamer,  the  Berenice,  crowded  with  Highlanders  led  the 
trooD-ships  to  the  point  where  we  landed.  I  felt  throughout 
that  the  Lord  .Jesus  was  at  my  side." 
Shortly  after  the  capture  of  Mohammerth  peace  was  eon 


12 

eluded  and  Havelock  returned  to  India.     On  the  way  he  was 

met  by  the  news  of  the  :i^utiny  of  the  native  troops,  which 
for  a  time  threatened  the  overthrow  of  the  British  rule  in 
Hindustan.  With  eager  haste  he  pressed  to  the  scene  of  duty 
and  of  danger.'  .The  17th  of  June  he  reached  Calcutta,  the 
21st  ie  wrote  : 

'*  I  have  baYely  time  to  tell  you,  by  the  after  packet  which 
leaves  to-day,  that  I  was  yesterday  re-ap  ointed  Brigadier 
General,  and  leave  by  dawk  as  soon  as  possible,  for  Allaha- 
bad. Sir  Pati'ick  Grant  lost  no  time  in  recommending  me 
for  this  important  command,  the  object  of  which  is  to  relieve 
CawntJore,  where  Sir  Hugh  Wheeler  is  threatened,  aind  sup- 
port Lucknow,  where  Sir  Henry  Lawrence  ia  somewhat  press- 
ed. May  God  give  me  wisdom  and  strength  to  fulfil  the  ex- 
pectations of  Government  and  restore  tranquility  in  the  dis- 
turbed provinces." 

Before  the  necessary  prepfirations  could  be  made  the  fate 
of  Cawnpore  was  sealed  ;  and  the  garrison  most  treacherously 
and  cruelly  murdered.  The  object  now -^a-s  to  retake  that 
place  and  relieve  the  gallant  defenders  of  Jjucknow,  who, 
shut  up  in  the  Residency,  were  beseis:ed  by  an  overwhelming 
force.  The  7th  of  July,  Havelock  began  his  m.arch  with  a 
force  of  less  than  1200.men  ;  but  he  had  been  proceeded  by 
Major  Renaud,  with  820  men  ;  and  when  these  two  forces 
vvere  united  the  whole  strength  of  the  army  was  1400  inlantry, 
eight  pieces  ofartillery  arid  a  small  body  #<;ava1ry.  The  12th, 
they  came  upon  the  en^my  3500  in  number,  strongly  posted 
at  the  village  of  Futtehpore,  and  after  a  short  engagement 
gained  a  complete  victory.  The  day  after  the  battle  Have- 
lock thus  writes:  * 

"  One  of.the  prayers  oft  repea'ed  throughout  my  life  since 
my  school  days,  has  been  answered,  and  T  have  lived  to  com- 
mand in  a  successful  action.  I  must  refer  you  for  the  partic- 
ulars to  my'dispatch.  1  will  here  only  sav  that  I  marched 
down  upon  this  place  yea'^erday  morning,  Sunday  the  12th, 
(battle  of  the  Boyno),  with  harra.=sed  troops  inten  ing  to  at- 
tack   the    insurgents    next  day.  but  their  fate  led  them  on. 

Out  they  sallied  and  insulted  my  camn,  v/hereupon  I  deter- 
mined to  try  an  immediate  action.  We  fousrht.  a'"id  I  may 
say   that  in   ten  minutes  the  affair  was  decided,  for  in  that 


13 

short  time  -our  Enfield  Rifles  and  cannon  had  taken  all  con- 
ceit of  fight  out  of  tiie  mutineers.  Among  them  was  the  5t)th , 
the  very  regiment  which  I  led  on  at  Maharajpore.  • 

"  I  challenged  them,--*  Ihere's  some  of  you  that  have  be- 
held me  fighting,  now  try  upon  yourselves  what^ou  have 
6cv.-n  in  me.' 

'*  But  away  with  vain  glory  !  Thanks  to  Almigty  God  who 
gave  me  the  victory  1  1  captured  in  four  hours  eleven  guns, 
and  scattered  the  enemy's  whole  force  to  the  winds.  I  now 
march  to  retake  Cawn]iore,  Avhere,  alas  !  our  troops  have 
been   treacherousl}''   destroy^:!,    and  to    succor  Lawrence  at 

Lucknow 11  .'was  in  the  thickest   of  t"lie  fight, 

but,  (jrod  be  praised,  escaped  unr.urt." 

Not  to  go  more  into  detail,  we  may  learn  sometbing  of  the 
rapidity'  and  energy  of  Havelock's  movements  when  we  are 
infoimed  that  between  the  7th  and  ihe  16th  of  July,  he  march- 
ed 126  miles  aii^  fought  four  battle?,  each  time  defeating 
forces  largely  superior  to  his  own  ;  and  in  all  taking  44  guns. 
His  own  loss  was  only  one  hundred  men.  Unlctrtin-jately, 
although  he  mfu'ched  in  triumph  into  Cawnpore  on  tlTC  IGth, 
he  was  not  able  lo'  rescue  the  Women  and  children,  who  were 
there'  held  as  prisoners  by  the  mutineers.  When  it  became 
evident  'that  they  could  not  hold  the  place,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  their  perfidious  chief  Nana  Sahib,  the  cruel  wretches 
drove. their  prisoners -together  into  a  close  room,  and,  regard- 
less of  their  sex  and  tender  year>«,  slew  them  without  meTcy. 
When  the  British  soldi'crs  entered  that  room,  they  stood  over 
their  shoes  in  blood. 

Such  a  scene  only  made  them  more  anxious  to  reli'eve  their 
comrades  'and  friends  in  Lucknow.  Notwjthstandiiig  the 
small n ess  of  his  own  and  the  grc  arnessof  that  of  th e'en euiy,  on 
the  21;5t  Havelock  crossed  the  (ranges,  and  the  25th  com- 
menced his  onward  march.  The  29th  he  came  upon  the  ene- 
my posted  at  Unao.  The'  position  was  exceedingly  strong. 
The  village  was  app^roached  only  by  a  causeway,  commanded 
by  cannon,  which  ran  through  fields  Hooded  by  recent  heavy 
rains.  The  h'^n.'^es  were  surrounded  by  gardens,  "enclosed 
with  walls,  and  these  walls  were  loop-holed  for  musketry. 

But  in  spite  of  such  obstacles,  after  a  brief  cannonade,  the 
^village  was  cleared  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.     The  enemy 


14 

retreated  only  a   few  '^iles  and  made  a  Btand  at  -Buffaera 
Gunge.     Here,  again,  after  a  sliort  and  hotly  contested  bat- 
tle Uie  mutineers  were  put  to  Eight.     The  Ions  of  the  enemy 
in  these  twoengagemenis,  is  eFtimated  at  from  500  to  1500— 
that  of  Ilavelcck  was  12  killed  and  75  wounded. 

The  victorious  career  of  t 'c  gallant  little  army  vras  b«rc 
checked  by  the  ravages  of  c:!olera.  It  wa  found  necessary 
to  fall  back  to  a  position  npore,  to  permit  the  men  to 

recruit  their  strength,  e:..  >->•  labor  and  disease.     Hav- 

ing received  reinforccinenls  vvhich  increased  his  force  to 
1400  men,  the  14th  ©f  AngiTfet.Havelock  again  advanced, 
a^ain  he  met  the  enemy  at  Bussorut  Gunge  and  again  prove<l 
victorious;  again  the  cliolera  appeared,  thinning  his  ranks, 
and  again  he  was  compelled  to  fall  back;  The  enemy  taking 
couragofrom  these  reirograr-e  niovemei  ts,  threatened  hia  po~ 
fiition  with  a  force  estimated  at  twenty  thoypand.  He  did  not 
•  wait  for  them  to  attaok  him.  but  marched  out  with  his  little  ■ 
force^  met  thcin  a^nd  trained  anotaer  victory,  bat  with  the 
loss  <^one  hundred  and  forty  men.  It  now  became  necessa- 
ry to*  ait  for  further  reinlorcementB. 

From  Cawnpore  August  2Vth  he  wrote  :  ''  It  is  an  age  since 
I  have  had  a  letter  from  any  of  you,  none,  I  think  since  I 
left  Calcutta..  Here  I  am  in  the  midst  of  moat  excitinc  af- 
fairs, which  hardly  give  me  breathing-time,  but  I  snatch  naif 
an  hour  to  teil  yon  that  by  God's  blessin-::  H.  and  I  ar©  still 
alive  and  well-  We  have  fouglat  nine  fights  with  the  enemy, 
fever ywhere  defeated  him*,  and  captured  forty-two  piece's  of 
cannon.-  Sir,  Henry  Lawrence,  the  most  amiable  of  men,  was 
badly  woundod  on  the  2d  ot  July  and  died  on  the  4th.  *  * 
Troops  are  coming  up  to  me;  but  I  fear  that  it  win  be  too 
late,  and 'that  the  place  will  fall  before  I- re-enter  Oude." 

The  second  advance  towards  Luck  new  and  the  final  relief 
of  that  pl«^A  i>  hest  described  in  the  words  of  Havelock 
himself — 

LucKNow  Nov.  10,  1857. 

•'You  will  wonder  at  not  having  received  a  letter  by  the 
last  two  mails.  It  will  be  best  to  begin  at  the  beginning  of 
the  story.  Sir  James  Oatraai  brought  up  my  reinforcements 
on  18th  and  19th  September.  I  threw  a  noble  bridge  of  boatei 
across  the  Gauges,  and  reached  the  further  ban]j  witlj  2900 
^  ,ja^a^  ^^k-Jam^a^aimaajigM  that  I  sTiguld  liaye  tlie  hgaoi^c^f 


16 

relieving  Lucknow,  and  that  he  Avould  accompany  iny  force 
only  as  Chief  Comraiagioner  and  as  a  volunteer.  I  beat  the 
enemy  on  the  •21st  at  Mnnghulvara  and  again  at  Alum  Bagh 
Bhayonon  the2od.  .  .  .  We  penetrated  through  a  suburb  and 
passed  under  cover  of  buildings,  a  fire  from  the  Kaizer  Bagh,  or 
King's  Palace,  under  which  nothing  could  have  lived.  About 
chia  time  an  Or<lerly  brought  fntelligence  that  H.  was  severely 
wounded.  Night  was  coming  on,  and  Sir  James  wished  to 
put  the  trooj>3  into  a  palace  and  rest  them  ;  but  I  strongly 
represented  the  necefisity  of  reinforcing  the  garrison,  lest  it 
should  be  attacked  and  surprised  in  the  darkness.  So  the 
78th  Highlanders  and  the  Sikh  Regiment  of  Ferozepore  were 
called  to  the  front.  Sir  James  and  I  and  two  of  the  staff, 
put  ourselves  at  their  head,  and  on  we  chftirged  throngb 
streets  of  loopholed  liouscs,  fired  at  perpetually,  and  over 
trenches  cut  in  the  road,  until  we  reached  in  triumph. the  be- 
leagUFcd  Residency.  Then  came  three  cheers  from  the 
troops,  and  the  faminished  garrison  found  mock-turtle  eoup 
a»d  champagne  t-o  regale  me  with  as  their  deliverer.  But 
the  rest  of  my  force  and  guns  could  not  be  brought  in  nntil 
the  evening  of  the  l6th,  and  by  that  time  1  had  lost-  536, 
killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Since  that  night  we  have  been 
more  closely  blockaded  than  in  Jellalabad.  We  eat  a  reduc- 
ed ration  of  artillery  bullock  beef,  chupatties  and  rice,  but 
tea,  coffee,  sugar,  soap  and  candles  are  unknown  lumries.'* 

From  this  position  the  garrison  was  finally  relieved  by  the 
arrival  of  Sir  CoUn  Campbell  with  five  thousand  men.  After 
reaching  the  Residency,  it  was  found  impracticable  to  dnve 
off  thel^oaeigers  it  was  accordingly  determined  to  evacuate 
the.place.  A  steady  fire  was  kept  up,  and  in  the  meantime 
long  lines  of  pickets  thrown  out,  between  which  the  women 
a-nd  children  and  all  property  which  could  be  moved  were 
conveyed  to  a  place  of  safety  without  the  knowledge  of  the 
enemy  and  without  a  single  accident. 

•The  nineteenth  of  Nov.  Havelock  writes: — "Sir  Colin. has 
come  up  with  some  five  thousand  men  and  much  altered  the 
state  ot  affairs.  The  papers  of  the  2«Uh  September  came 
with  him,  Announcing  my  elevation  to  theCommandershipof 
the  Bath  for  my  first  three  battles.  I  have  fimght  nine  more 
since.  .  .  .  Dear  H.  has  been  a  second  time  wounded  ie 
Ihesame  left  arm.     This  second  hit  wais  a  mualcct  ball  j^^ 


16 

shoulder.     He  is  in  good  spirits,  and  is  doing  well.     .     .     . 
Love  to  ihe  children.     ...     I  do  not  after  all  see  my  ele- 
vation in  the  'Gazette/   but  Sir  Colin  addressed   me  as  Sir 
Henry  Havelock.'^ 

This  was  his  last  lettoi-.  Before  it  reached  the  little  circle 
at  Bonn,  she  for  who^e  ^jyes  it  was  intended,  knew  that  the 
hand  that  wrote  it  was  cold.  In  connexion  with  the  fiege  af 
Jellalabad  he  had' read  and  applied  to  himself  the  words 
of  the  prophet,'*  I  will  surely  deliver  thee  :  and  thou  shalt  not 
fall  by  the  sword,  for  thy  life  shall  be  a  prey  nnlo  thee  ;  be- 
canse  thou  hast  put'  thy  trust  in  me  saith  the  Lord."  His 
faniil}'^  had  learned  to  call  this  his  prophecy  ;  and  io  regard 
the  promise  as  made  to  him.  And  to  him  it  was  fultilled. — 
Jle.fell,  bntn(ft  in  battle  nor  by  the  weapons  of  his  enemies. 
His  Mrla  >U8  labors  had  wronghi  upon  his  health  ;  and  for 
sometime  he  had  looked  sicn;  a;. d  oareworn.  And  now  that 
those  for  whom  he  li.adso  nobly  labored  ami  louirht  were  sale, 
the  exciteme/'t  whi;h  supported  niiii  no  longer  existe'  and  he 
yielded  to  the  atta'^ks  of  disease.  He  was  taken  witn  dysen- 
tery ;  and  every  thing  that  meuicil  > kill  cf>uld  suggefst  was 
done  in  vain.  In  a  very  8h..in.  time  i- wa=s  .evi-lent  iba'i  he 
must  die.  When  hi-^  oil  and  'ried  fiienl.  Sir  James 0'.it?*atn, 
came  to  hirn  on  his  u*ath  bed,  he  remarked.  •'  For  more  than 
forty  years.  I  have  so  ruled  mv  life  thjj,t  when  death  should 
come,  r  could  meet;  ityvithout  f.^ar  "'  Fie  said  again  and  agiin, 
"  I  die  happy  and  conte-i^ed."  His  fion  of  whom  he  wrote  ."  I 
never  saw  .-^o  brave  a  youth  as  the  boy  Henry;"  was  at  his  side. 
"  Come,  m  s  >n,"  -laid  the  dyini,'  father,  '  and  see  how  a  C  iria- 
tian  can  die."  Thus  at  Abim-  B  igh,  the  scene  of  one  of  his 
greatest  vict (Tries,  the  25th  of  No.  ember,  1857,  Havelock  pars- 
ed away.  He  li^'ed  long  enough  to  ^now  that  his  labors  were 
appreciate l..l)y  a  grateful  •  govcicnuient,  but  n-ot  long  enough 
to  know  how  dear  his  name  became  to  the  people,  nor  how 
prou  1  the/ wereoftheChristian  iiero.-  He  heard  not  the  gen- 
erous applause  that  gushed  warm  from  thousands  of  admiri^ig 
hearts. 

"  Ca)  honor's  voice  provo'^e  che  silent  dust, 
Or  11  ittery  soot  i  d  the  .iul  I  co.d  ear  of  deaths?" 
Bat  W'lat  Wis  of  iafiiiitaiy  more  i.ip  >rLiace  to  ^rfna,  h>  heard 
from  his  M^trSter  the  piaidit  '•  well  dj.ic,"  .i  id  eatered  into  his 


HoUinger  Corp. 
pH8.5 


